Toronto 
Ontario is moving to tighten control over the drones it uses, citing concerns about data security.
The province announced it will restrict the purchase and use of Chinese-made drones across government operations, with an immediate ban already in place for highly sensitive work carried out by the Ontario Provincial Police. The broader plan is to gradually phase out existing devices and replace them with drones built in Canada or other approved regions.
Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, framed the decision as part of a wider effort to protect provincial information. He pointed to concerns that companies based in China may be required under national law to share data, even if that data is stored outside the country.
That possibility has raised questions about how much sensitive information could be accessed through drone technology, particularly in areas like policing or infrastructure monitoring.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said drones remain an important tool for police services across the province, but added that security and privacy risks tied to foreign-made technology cannot be ignored.
Drones are already used widely by the province for tasks such as emergency response, wildfire tracking, road and bridge inspections, and environmental monitoring. Officials say the transition away from Chinese-made models will be managed in a way that does not disrupt those frontline services.
Ontario also plans to consult with industry and public sector partners in the coming weeks to identify replacement options, including manufacturers based in the province. The shift aligns with the Buy Ontario Act, passed in December 2025, which prioritizes domestic goods and services in public procurement.
The proposed changes are expected to be part of a broader legislative package focused on community safety and enforcement that will be introduced in the coming days.
